This Morning host Andi Peters has spoken out following a tense live exchange with actress Miriam Margolyes, after she made comments about his ethnicity that sparked accusations of racism online.
What happened on air
Margolyes, 83, appeared alongside co-hosts Peters and Christine Lampard on Thursday to promote her new book. During a discussion about accents, Margolyes asked Peters directly about his ethnic background, remarking that he was mixed race with a Black father and white mother. Peters, visibly caught off guard, attempted to keep the moment light, joking about his makeup shade before Margolyes went on to use outdated and offensive language to describe his skin colour, prompting immediate discomfort on set.
As the show is broadcast live, the moment couldn't be edited out in real time, though the clip has since been removed from ITV's streaming platform, ITVX.
How Peters responded
During the exchange, Peters gestured to his earpiece, noting that producers were reacting nervously behind the scenes. Margolyes responded by insisting her intentions were about inclusion, saying she didn't want anyone to feel pushed out, without clarifying further.
Fellow broadcaster Jeremy Vine praised Peters publicly on Instagram, saying he handled an unfiltered and difficult live moment brilliantly. Peters thanked him in response, noting that live television means being prepared for anything. Viewers online echoed similar praise, describing his composure as graceful and professional under difficult circumstances.
Background on those involved
Peters has been a familiar face on UK television since 1989, rising to wider fame co-hosting BBC's Live & Kicking in the 1990s, and now regularly appears on ITV's daytime shows. Margolyes is best known for playing Professor Pomona Sprout in the Harry Potter film series, and had appeared on the show to promote her new book, released the same day.
UNILAD has approached representatives for Margolyes and ITV for comment.
